Tuesday, August 6

Disney and Pixar treat us pretty well, right? They know that children don't go to movies on their own, so they usually toss the adults a few bones, over the kids' heads, to keep us interested too. Hopefully PBS Kids follows suit in "Sid the Science Kid: Sid the Movie." The Theatres at Mall of America will screen "Sid the Movie" for free today at 11:30 am. Sid himself will be on hand to greet moviegoers. A giant kid with purple starfish hair seems a little intimidating to me, but little ones rarely seem to have an issue with these types of characters. Go figure.

Wednesday, August 7

There are few things more enjoyable than an outdoor, summertime concert. The anticipation of the show is almost tangible before the music starts. Moods are so bright they outlast long lines at Porta-Potties, and even the occasional rainstorm doesn't seem to dampen spirits. In fact, adverse conditions might even enhance the memories. Today we have the chance to see a Grammy Award-winning band outdoors for free! The Okee Dokee Brothers perform at Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center from 10-11 am. I'm sure they will play songs from their Grammy winner, "Can you Canoe?" You can hold up a sign that says "I Can Canoe" and look like a cool insider.

Thursday, August 8

Three fun facts about skating: 1) The oldest skates ever discovered were found in a lake in Switzerland and are about 5000 years old. They were made with a horse's leg bone and leather straps. 2) As long as ice is warmer than -4 degrees Fahrenheit, there is always a very thin layer of water on the surface. That's why it's slippery. When skates contact ice it melts even more so you are, in essence, "sailing" across a sheet of water when you skate. 3) Skate rental and ice time is free on Wednesdays and Thursdays in August from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Victory Memorial Ice Arena. Come sail away!

Take me out to the ballgame

Friday, August 9

This isn't a cheap idea, but for baseball fans it could be pretty memorable. Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins and the 2014 All-Star Game, offers tours almost daily from April through September. The 90-minute tour is free for kids younger than six, but ranges from $8 to $17 for older folks depending on school, military and Social Security status. I am a marginal baseball fan, but I'm a huge fan of Target Field. It's a great place to spend a few hours in the stands. I'm betting it's even sweeter on the field.

Saturday, August 10

Find your inner caveman or cavewoman at the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center from 1 to 3 pm today. For $5 you get to search for wild edibles, learn how to throw a spear, and start fire without newspapers, matches and lighter fluid. I'll believe that when I see it. Register ahead of time, and then step back in time to the Land of the Lost!

Also today, Fort Snelling State Park hosts "Campfire Tales: Stories of the Night" for free from 7:30-8:30 pm. Sounds like it will be just like a summer camp bonfire with sing-alongs and stories about night creatures. Muhahaha! That was my scary laugh.

Sunday, August 11

The Minneapolis Institute of Art is raising the roof! Well, raising on the roof, really. In collaboration with the University of Minnesota's Bee Squad, the MIA has four beehives buzzing on their roof. You can find out more about deez bees and other critters during Family Day at the MIA from 11 am to 5 pm. You'll find all sorts of bug-inspired exhibits, projects and performances for free at the museum and the neighboring Washburn Fair Oaks Park. Bee smoker not required.

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